Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi is delighted with what Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch have achieved in the Caf Competitions this season.
In their debut edition, Stellies reached the semi-final of the Caf Confederation Cup but were narrowly defeated by Tanzania and Africa heavyweights Simba SC. The Steve Barker-led men fell by a solitary goal in Tanzania before drawing 0-0 in Mzansi to crash out of the annual competition.
The Buccaneers reached the last four of the Caf Champions League without tasting defeat. After playing to a goalless draw at the FNB Stadium, it looked like they would continue the run, especially when the proceedings in Egypt against Pyramids were tied at 2-2 late into the match. However, it ended 3-2 in favour of the hosts, who will now face Mamelodi Sundowns in the final.
‘We forget last season they couldn't even get out of group'
The immediate former Masandawana tactician is happy with what has been achieved, saying the clubs should be appreciated for their efforts. He has reserved special praise for the Sea Robbers under outgoing coach Jose Riveiro.
“I wouldn't even want to go to the last stage of the South African final. I think personally we should just be proud of how much impact and improvement South African football has had in the past few years,” he told the media.
“To see Pirates back in the Champions League and going as far as they went? For me, that was very positive. Sometimes we forget that maybe the previous season they could not even come out of the group, or maybe not even reach the quarter-finals. But when you see them going as far as they did, you should be very proud.”
The PSL is proving its worth as Mgqithi gives Broos his flowers
Mngqithi has further commended Bafana Bafana under coach Hugo Broos for what they have achieved. He insists it helps the players give their ‘A' game at the club level, which has seen the Premier Soccer League improve.
“The PSL has really improved in leaps and bounds, and maybe also take some time to appreciate the work that the national team has done. With the national team doing well, these teams and players are forced to give an A-game in their clubs,” he continued.
“Personally, I'm just a proud South African with the impact that South Africa is making. Look at Stellenbosch; who would have thought they would be in the semi-final of the Confederation Cup? And they were there, and they were strong,” Mngqithi concluded.
